Crews have continued working on the NM 68-US 64 road construction project in Taos this winter and now expect to finish by spring, according to a Thursday (Feb. 20) press release from the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
NMDOT emphasized that the expected spring 2025 completion is weather dependent. Roadwork began in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and has experienced several delays, pushing it years beyond an original completion date of late 2021.
Asphalt paving will take place when sidewalk work is finished, all traffic signals have been installed and daytime temperatures reach 50 degrees or higher "for an extended period of time."
According to the National Weather Service Thursday forecast, daytime highs are expected to exceed 50 degrees for the next week as Northern New Mexico enters the final month of an unseasonably warm, dry winter.
Thursday's press release provided updates on roadwork at the following major intersections.
- Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Quesnel: Everything is complete except for installation of a new traffic signal and paving. The sidewalk should be complete in late February.
- Paseo del Pueblo Sur and Kit Carson: Everything is complete except for paving.
- Paseo del Pueblo Norte north of Quesnel: Crews are working on the east side in the northbound lane. On this side of the project, all curb and gutter and about 80 percent of the sidewalk is completed. The detour for northbound traffic is Camino de la Placita.
- Paseo del Pueblo Norte and Civic Plaza Drive Intersection: Everything is complete except for installation of traffic signals and a small section of sidewalk. The sidewalk should be completed by the end of February, with additional electrical work required before traffic signals can be installed.
- Paseo del Pueblo Norte and Montecito Intersection: Everything is complete except for installation of traffic signals and a small section of sidewalk. The sidewalk should be completed by the end of February, with additional electrical work required before traffic signals can be installed.
The project will provide significant improvements to the main thoroughfare through the Town of Taos.
"The $21.9 million project is designed to correct physical and geometric deficiencies, reduce congestion and add new ADA ramps and sidewalks for pedestrian access for safety and mobility along the NM-68-US 64 highway, also known as Paseo del Pueblo," the press release reads.
Crews with El Terrero Construction, which contracted with the state to complete the project, will continue working Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with longer hours as needed.
(2) comments
Great news! But what are all the complainers going to find to complain about now? The road crew have been busting their tails off--working in extreme conditions, long hours, unexpected problems that have caused delays. The finished product is going to be awesome.
I agree that this will be a worthy improvement. The "complainers" mentioned have some legitimate gripes. This project has taken too long to complete. Yes, there have been challenges but it still has been a problem. Don't blame the affected businesses who depend on visitors.
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